Almost exactly seven months to the day after the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced the inception of the Volleyball Nations League, the sport’s governing body has reached a groundbreaking agreement to stream the inaugural VNL season to U.S. audiences live on FloVolleyball.

The VNL is a revolutionary move for the sport in a number of ways—one that replaces the women's World Grand Prix and men's World League and aims to change the way we watch volleyball by placing an emphasis on digital innovation and the fan experience.

Watch the FIVB Volleyball Nations League LIVE on FloVolleyball

The season will feature a total of 260 matches, with each core nation hosting at least one pool on their own soil. For the United States, there will be no wait for that homecoming. The women’s competition begins on Tuesday in Lincoln, NE, on the former college campus of three American players—including captain Jordan Larson.

In collaboration with IMG, the FIVB will look to grow the global popularity and excitement around indoor volleyball by “promoting a compelling on-court narrative, which is easy for fans to engage with and understand.”

A new concept being referred to as “active engagement” will aim to keep fans involved throughout each match by implementing organized celebrations for in-match situations like spikes and blocks—which may now earn the designations of “Super Spike” or “Monster Block” by the stadium PA.

On the women’s side of the VNL, the USA, Brazil, Italy, China, Serbia, the Netherlands, Thailand, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and Russia make up the 12 core nations. Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Poland, and Belgium have been selected as challenger teams.

For the men, the USA, Brazil, Italy, China, Serbia, France, Argentina, Iran, Poland, Germany, Japan, and Russia make up the core teams. Australia, South Korea, Canada, and Bulgaria will be the challengers.

Once again, the entirety of the 2018 VNL season can be viewed live on FloVolleyball—beginning with pools 1-4, May 15-17.

Additional information about the 2018 VNL live streaming schedule, as well as details of the full agreement between the FIVB, IMG, and FloSports, will be available shortly.